Posted by Sonja Keohane <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> : For any with an interest: <http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/news/archive/Story1253790.html> ABC to air 100-tribe Tucson powwow on New Year's Eve A 10-day powwow involving more than 100 Native American tribes that starts here Dec. 31 has grown to such proportions that ABC-TV plans to televise the event as part of its millennium coverage on New Year's Eve. The New Millennium First Peoples' World Fair and Pow Wow, Thunder in the Desert, was to feature 50 to 60 powwow dancers each day. The number has grown to about 2,500 dancers each day, said Fred Synder , the event coordinator . The tremendous growth has put organizers in a bind, and they're asking the community to help volunteer with food, lodging and any other way they can, Synder said. Organizers have secured more than 400 hotel rooms for participants, but are asking churches for help and are searching for Tucsonans to serve as host families. Synder didn't have an estimate of how many people will attend the event, which runs through Jan. 9 at Rillito Raceway Park. He said some will need accommodations for only a few days. Weekends are expected to be the busiest times, he said. The event is open to the public and will include concerts, parades, a round table dance to bring in the new millennium, a sunrise blessing for the 21st century, a competition powwow, exhibition performances and craft markets. Theme days, such as Gourd Dance/Warrior Day, Alaska Natives Day, Seventh Generation Youth Day and Senior Golden and Veterans Day are planned throughout the week. Proceeds from the event will go to the event's sponsor, Reservations Creation Women's Circle Charitable Trust, a non-profit Tucson organization whose mission is to preserve, protect and promote Native American culture and traditions. All activities are free, although there will be a recommended donation of $10 to $12 for the Electric Pow Wow concert. Tucson was chosen for the event because it is close to many tribal nations, has mild winter weather and is one of the top 20 urban areas for Native American populations, Synder said. Arizona is home to 27 tribes, including the Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui tribes in the Tucson area. Event organizers are asking that people who can accommodate guests during the event or help with food call 622-4900, or Gina John at 622-7611, extension 1342. Information about the event is available on the World Wide Web at usaindianinfo.org ---end of article-----